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| A group of women stranded after the much-anticipated training they were attending was abruptly canceled. Photo: Courtesy |
By Mutayoba Arbogast
More than 500 women from Kiziba Division in Missenyi District were left in shock and frustration after a seminar meant to empower them was abruptly canceled.
The roundtable, which was scheduled for August 17, 2024, in Bwanjai Ward, was meant to provide capacity-building training for women entrepreneurs and youth groups looking to benefit from the Imbeju Program, a CRDB Bank initiative designed to offer capital and support.
However, the seminar was blocked by the Ward Executive Officer (WEO) Swahim Abubakar due to the organizers' failure to inform his office in advance, as required by procedural regulations.
Dr. Vicent Timanywa, the seminar's coordinator, admitted to not having reported the event to the WEO, who oversees all government activities and development programs in the ward.
He acknowledged his mistake but expressed disappointment at the cancellation, saying the seminar’s potential impact should have been prioritized over procedural formalities.
"I see the logic and impact of the session rather than relying on procedures," he stated, visibly distressed.
The cancellation left many attendees in tears, as they had incurred significant expenses for transport and other costs.
The women had traveled from distant wards, including Ruzinga, Buyango, Ishozi, Ishunju, Kitobo, Gera, Bugandika, Kanyigo, and Kashenye, only to find the seminar blocked upon their arrival.
"I feel deeply distressed by WEO Swahim Abubakar's refusal to allow this seminar, despite my admitting to poor communication," lamented Dr. Timanywa.
He expressed his emotional struggle, saying, "How can I wipe away the tears of those women who were sobbing in front of me? This was supposed to be their day of opening a new chapter in their lives through the Imbeju Program. I don't know where to hide my face after this saga."
When asked about his role in organizing the seminar, Dr. Timanywa clarified over the phone, "I am just an ordinary citizen, a graduate who is deeply touched by the lives of my fellow people living in poverty.
Kagera is consistently ranked among the poorest regions, and I strive to seize every opportunity to uplift our community. In this case, I was simply a bridge connecting these women entrepreneurs to the financial institution."
He added that CRDB Bank representatives had already arrived with a full package of information to support the entrepreneurs.
Bwanjai Ward Councilor, Phocus Rwegasira, shared his thoughts on the matter, explaining that Dr. Timanywa had invited him informally, but he could not attend due to a family emergency.
He also expressed his concern about the lack of official communication with relevant authorities. "It's a pity that you can gather such a large group of people without informing the authorities. I can’t restrain from blaming him," said Rwegasira.
CRDB Bank Manager for the Missenyi Branch, Dennis Dodo, weighed in on the situation, clarifying that his institution has no Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with individuals concerning the Imbeju Program.
"We work with registered entrepreneurs and organizations acknowledged by the District Council, as they are in a position to assess the ability of borrowers to repay loans. We are committed to adhering to the rules," Dodo stated.
When asked whether Dr. Timanywa was attempting to deceive the participants, Dodo refrained from making accusations.
"I can’t say he’s a scammer, but there was poor communication between him and us. We believed we were working with the right person in an organization, but later discovered issues with the organization he claimed to represent. Anyone seeking to work with financial institutions like ours must be smart in following the rules."
Efforts to reach the Bwanjai WEO for further comment proved futile. The cancellation of the seminar has sparked mixed reactions among residents.
Some argue that the seminar should have been allowed to proceed, particularly given the potential benefits for the women involved.
Others, however, believe that the situation may have had political undertones, especially with elections just around the corner.
Some suspect that local leaders feared the seminar might serve as a silent campaign to boost personal recognition ahead of the elections.
Yet others question how a man who calls himself "Dr." could have failed to communicate with the authorities, something considered an ordinary and basic task.
The Imbeju Program in Missenyi District was officially launched in March this year, aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs by providing financial support and guidance.
This recent seminar was intended to be a crucial step in helping women from the district benefit from the program and improve their livelihoods.
However, due to poor communication and a failure to adhere to official procedures, this opportunity has slipped through their fingers, leaving many disappointed and without answers.